Nationals Stephen Strasburg Avoids DL, Hopes to Make Next Start

The Washington Nationals will hold off on placing their prized ace, Stephen Strasburg, on the DL for now. Strasburg, who was removed from his last start with a strained lat, could return by next Saturday, the most recent time the team will need all five of its starters.

While possible Washington could forego a DL stint for Strasburg, it’s a longshot he will recover from a lat strain in just two weeks, particularly since the Nationals have historically aired on the side of caution with him up until this point.

The Nats have made questionable decisions on its players this season. In 2012, the team was questioned for shutting down the very same starter, potentially costing them a deep run into the postseason when they finished the regular season with 98 wins and home field advantage throughout the postseason.

Washington was bounced when it failed to protect a six run lead in a deciding Game Five at home against the Cardinals.

This season, the Nationals allowed Jayson Werth to play through an injury before he eventually landed on the DL in early May. Bryce Harper, another phenom on the roster with his pitching counterpart, was allowed to play through a side injury when he ran into a wall before eventually slumping and being played on the DL himself. Second baseman, Danny Espinosa, fell into a brutal slump when he was allowed to play through a wrist injury.

If Strasburg does end up missing extended time, Craig Stammen is slated to be first in line to take his spot in the rotation.